by Ruth S. Baker

“Dinosaur tracks uncovered at site of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s refuge:
Jacobite leader was unknowingly ‘following the footprints’ of megalosaurs
after escaping to the Isle of Skye in 1746”
—The Guardian

Speed, bonnie beast, like a bird on the wing,
Though you’re not built to fly;
Soon evolution’s certain to bring
Mammals in crowns to Skye.

One hundred million years will pass.
Add sixty million more:
Here comes the homo sapiens class,
Heirs to the Meg’losaur.

Speed, bonnie beast, like a fish on the fin—
Oceans will change, that’s why:
Humans are very keen to begin;
One is desired in Skye.

Why this is so it’s hard to explain:
Men will do wondrous things:
You, I’m afraid, just hadn’t the brain
Needed to think of kings.

Speed, bonnie beast, like the world that’s in store:
Sadly, you have to die
Before there can be a big human war
Ending in flight to Skye.